FAQ's

GETTING STARTED

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Do I need a referral to book an appointment? No - you do not need a referral to access most of our services. You are welcome to contact us directly and self-refer. However, if you would like to claim a Medicare rebate for psychological treatment, you will need a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP. For assessments, no referral is required to book, though some clients choose to bring documentation from their GP, paediatrician, psychiatrist, or school.

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How do I book an appointment? You can book by calling us on (03) 9063 2011, emailing us at info@cogassessments.com.au, or using the booking form on our website. Our team will be in touch to discuss your needs and match you with the right clinician and service.

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How long will I wait for an appointment? We currently have no waitlist. Appointments are available now for both assessments and psychological treatment. Contact us today to secure your preferred time.

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Do you offer Telehealth appointments? Yes. All of our services - including assessments, psychological treatment, and ADHD coaching - are available via secure Telehealth video appointments. We see clients across Victoria and Australia-wide. There is no difference in the quality of care delivered via Telehealth.

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ASSESSMENTS

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What types of assessments do you offer? We offer a comprehensive range of psychological assessments including ADHD assessments, autism assessments (using the gold-standard ADOS-2 tool), cognitive and neuropsychological assessments, educational assessments, behavioural assessments (for children), learning disorder assessments (including dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia), and diagnostic assessments for complex or unclear presentations. We assess both children and adults.

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How long does an assessment take? Assessment duration varies depending on the type and complexity of the assessment. Most assessments are conducted across one to two sessions. ADHD assessments typically take two to three hours in total, while autism and neuropsychological assessments may be longer. Our team will give you a clear indication of expected duration when you book.

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What happens during an assessment? A typical assessment involves a detailed clinical interview, completion of validated questionnaires (by you, and in some cases by a parent, teacher, or partner), and a series of structured cognitive tasks. For autism assessments, we also use the ADOS-2 - an internationally recognised observational assessment tool. At the end of the process, a feedback session is scheduled to walk you through the findings, and a comprehensive written report is provided.

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How long until I receive my report? Written reports are typically provided within two to three weeks of the completion of your assessment. Your clinician will confirm the expected timeframe at your feedback session.

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What should I bring to my assessment? We recommend bringing any previous reports, school reports, medical records, or other relevant documentation. For child assessments, having the child's birth details, developmental history, and school contact information available is helpful. For Telehealth assessments, ensure you are in a quiet, private space with a stable internet connection.

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Can adults be assessed for ADHD and autism? Absolutely. A significant and growing proportion of our clients are adults who are seeking assessment for the first time - many having spent years without answers. It is never too late to seek a diagnosis, and many adults find the process genuinely life changing. We are experienced in identifying presentations that are commonly missed in adults, including inattentive ADHD and autism in women.

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What is the difference between an ADHD assessment and an autism assessment? ADHD and autism are distinct neurodevelopmental conditions, and each requires its own assessment process. ADHD assessments focus on attention, executive functioning, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Autism assessments - which include the ADOS-2 observational tool - evaluate social communication, sensory processing, and behavioural patterns. Some individuals are assessed for both. Our team will discuss your presentation and recommend the most appropriate pathway when you get in touch.

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Will my child need to attend the full assessment appointment? For child assessments, the child is generally present for part of the appointment — particularly for cognitive testing and observational components. Parent interviews may be conducted separately. We always ensure the assessment process is as comfortable and low-pressure as possible for children, and breaks are available whenever needed.

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FEES AND REBATES

 

How much does an assessment or treatment cost? Assessment fees vary depending on the type and complexity of the assessment. Please contact our team directly to discuss. For psychological treatment, please refer to our fees page. We are happy to walk you through the costs and available rebates before you commit to booking.

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Are Medicare rebates available? Medicare rebates are available for psychological treatment sessions under a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan (Better Access initiative), which provides rebates for up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year. Assessment fees are generally not covered by Medicare, though some private health funds offer partial rebates - please check with your fund directly.

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Does private health insurance cover assessments or treatment? Some private health funds offer rebates for psychological services. Coverage varies significantly between funds and policy levels. We recommend contacting your health fund directly to confirm your entitlements before your appointment.

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Do you accept NDIS funding? Yes. We welcome NDIS self-managed and plan-managed participants for both assessments and psychological treatment. Please visit our NDIS page for more information or contact our team to discuss your plan and funding options.

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Do you work with WorkCover clients? Yes. We accept WorkCover referrals for psychological treatment and  in some instances, assessments and have experience working within the requirements of psychological injury claims. Please contact us to discuss your situation.

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Is a deposit required to book an assessment? Yes. A non-refundable deposit is required to secure all assessment bookings. The deposit amount is $250 for standard assessments (ADHD, cognitive, and learning disorder) and $350 for comprehensive assessments (autism and neuropsychological). Your deposit will be deducted from your total assessment fee on the day of your appointment. A tax invoice will be issued upon payment. Bookings are not confirmed until the deposit has been received.

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What is your cancellation policy? We understand that circumstances can change, and we will always do our best to accommodate genuine emergencies. 

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The following conditions apply to all assessment bookings:

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• If you provide more than 5 business days notice, your deposit will be transferred to a rescheduled appointment at no penalty.

• If you cancel with 2–5 business days notice, your deposit will be forfeited.

• If you cancel with less than 48 hours notice or do not attend your appointment, your deposit will be forfeited in full and an additional cancellation fee may apply.

 

One complimentary reschedule is available per booking, provided sufficient notice is given. To cancel or reschedule, please contact us as soon as possible on (03) 9063 2011 or info@cogassessments.com.au

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The following conditions apply to all psychological treatment bookings:

• If you provide less than 24 hours notice full payment is required

 

PSYCHOLOGICAL TREATMENT

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What issues do you treat? Our psychologists provide treatment for a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, stress and burnout, emotional dysregulation, trauma, grief and loss, ADHD-related challenges, autism-related support, school refusal, behavioural concerns, adjustment difficulties, and more. Treatment is available for children, adolescents, and adults.

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What therapeutic approaches do you use? Our clinicians draw on a range of evidence-based frameworks including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)-informed approaches. Treatment is always tailored to the individual and their specific goals, context, and neurological profile.

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What does neuro-affirming treatment mean? Neuro-affirming practice means we recognise neurodivergent brains - including those with ADHD, autism, and learning differences - as valid variations of human neurology, not deficits to be corrected. Our treatment is designed to work with your brain, not against it. Sessions are flexible, communication styles are adapted to your preferences, and goals reflect what matters to you - not a one-size-fits-all standard of functioning.

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How long will I need to be in therapy? Treatment length varies significantly depending on the individual, their goals, and the nature of their concerns. Some clients benefit from a short-term, focused course of sessions. Others prefer longer-term support. Your clinician will discuss expected duration with you at your initial appointment and review progress regularly throughout treatment.

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Do you offer parent sessions? Yes. Parent and carer coaching is available to support emotional regulation, behaviour management, school communication, and strategies for parenting neurodivergent children. These sessions can be accessed alongside a child's treatment or as a standalone service.

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TELEHEALTH

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How does Telehealth work? Telehealth appointments are conducted via a secure video platform. Once your appointment is confirmed, your clinician will send you a link to join the session at your scheduled time. All you need is a device with a camera and microphone (smartphone, tablet, or computer) and a stable internet connection.

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Is Telehealth as effective as in-person appointments? Yes. Research consistently supports the effectiveness of Telehealth-delivered psychological services for both assessment and treatment. Many clients find Telehealth more comfortable and convenient, and the quality of care delivered is equivalent to in-person appointments.

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I am in a regional or rural area - can I still access your services? Absolutely. Telehealth means geography is no longer a barrier to accessing high-quality psychological care. We regularly see clients from regional and rural Victoria and across Australia. If you have been unable to access services locally or have been on a long waitlist elsewhere, we encourage you to reach out.